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The SPEC approach
follows a design / build model, with some modifications to overcome the
deficiencies in a typical design / build project as practiced by others
in the construction industry.
The first step in
any design / build project for SPEC is the determination of a
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the entire project. The scope of
work is developed in conjunction with the owner and using that scope
with selected sub-contractors to develop a GMP.
Detailed design is
typically divided into two "tracks", with the process /
instrumentation group focused on the development of P&ID's and the
process equipment and facility group completing the designs of the
mechanical, electrical and architectural portion of the project. |
In contrast to traditional engineering/bid construction methods which leave the real fixed costs of
the process
automation budget to the bidding phase, SPEC automation engineers get involved in the project during the initial
design and scope definition phase.
How a plant is supposed to operate
is as important as how it is constructed, so preliminary functional
specifications for plant automation are developed in the Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) phase of the project. The I/O count, instrumentation
standards, operator interface requirements, and a recipe and data
collection philosophy are defined up front so a complete GMP budget can
be developed.
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A well-planned project needs strong
project management to make it work.
Without experienced project management
and solid project management tools, the many issues and decisions that
are presented during a project can become overwhelming, leading to
budget and schedule overruns and poor project results.
Good Project management has its
highest impact on the project in two key areas: scheduling and cost
control.
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